With the NBA implementing stricter health and safety guidelines amid an outbreak of positive coronavirus tests and close contacts, Oklahoma City Thunder security guard George Hill questioned some of the logic behind the protocols after a 112-102 home loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
“We want to play the game … but I don’t understand some of the rules,” Hill said. “We can sweat for 48 minutes with a guy next to us for 48 minutes, but we can’t talk to them after that. It makes no sense.”
Within the improved rules, pre- and post-game interactions with opponents are limited to elbow or fist bumps only, avoiding “extensive socializing”. That means you don’t have to catch up with a former teammate or friend after the game, previously a standard post-game practice.
Also in the new guidelines: Hotel rooms are now closed to non-team guests on the road. In addition, the movement of players and staff on the road is limited, making it now prohibited for both to leave the hotel for non-team activities. Previously, players were allowed two guests in their rooms, including family and long-term personal friends.
“I’m a grown man. I’m going to do what I want to do. If I want to visit my family, I go to my family,” Hill said. “They can’t tell me to stay in a room 24/7. If it’s that serious, then maybe we shouldn’t play. But it’s life; no one will be able to cancel their whole life for this. Game.”
The NBA has postponed four games this week due to problems with COVID-19, including three with the Boston Celtics. Along with the Celtics, the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls are all facing significant difficulties in drafting the required eight players due to positive tests and contact tracking.
Players must now also always wear a mask when not playing. There is a short cool-down period in a designated area for when they have just come out of play, but masks are required on the couch and in the locker room.
“It is what it takes, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of this COVID thing,” said thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “If it means I have to wear a mask on the couch all the time, then it is what it is and I’m going to do it. I want to live normal life again, and whatever it takes to come back, I’m gonna to do. “